Court Rules Handgun Sales Ban for 18 To 20-Year-Olds Unconstitutional

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the federal ban on handgun sales to individuals under 21 is unconstitutional.

Key Takeaways

The 5th Circuit Court ruled that the federal ban on handgun sales to 18-20-year-olds violates the Second Amendment.
This decision follows the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that expanded gun rights and required firearm laws to align with historical traditions.
The court found that the government failed to provide sufficient historical evidence to justify the ban for this age group.
The ruling has been celebrated by gun rights groups but criticized by gun control advocates.
The case has been sent back to a lower court for further action.

Court’s Decision Challenges Long-Standing Federal Law

In a landmark decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has ruled that the federal law preventing those under 21 from buying handguns is unconstitutional. This ruling effectively states that 18-to-20-year-olds have the same firearm ownership rights as older adults, challenging a restriction that has been in place since 1968.

The court’s decision is based on the interpretation that the Second Amendment protects the rights of all adult citizens, including those between 18 and 20 years old. This ruling follows the 2022 Supreme Court decision that expanded gun rights and required firearm laws to align with historical traditions of the nation.

Federal court rules ban on handgun sales to adults under age 21 is unconstitutional https://t.co/3ACWvQxHBU pic.twitter.com/lm5dQYzQlQ

— New York Post (@nypost) January 30, 2025

Implications for Gun Rights and Federal Law

The ruling represents a significant challenge to federal firearm regulations and could have far-reaching implications for gun laws across the country. Similar age restriction laws have already been struck down in states like Minnesota, Virginia, and Texas, indicating a growing trend towards expanding gun rights for younger adults.

The court’s opinion, authored by Judge Edith Jones, criticized the Biden administration’s defense of the ban. The government’s argument that the restriction was consistent with historical firearm regulation traditions failed to convince the judiciary, as they were unable to provide sufficient historical evidence to justify the contemporary handgun purchase ban for this age group.

Reactions from Gun Rights Advocates and Critics

Gun rights organizations, including the Firearms Policy Coalition and the Second Amendment Foundation, which challenged the ban, have celebrated the ruling as a victory for Second Amendment rights. These groups argue that if young adults can serve in the military, they should have the right to purchase handguns for personal use.

“Today’s ruling is yet another critical FPC win against an immoral and unconstitutional age-based gun ban. We look forward to restoring the Second Amendment rights of all peaceable adults throughout the United States,” Firearms Policy Coalition President Brandon Combs said.

However, gun control advocates have expressed concern over the ruling. Organizations like Brady: United Against Gun Violence argue that increasing firearm access for teenagers could endanger lives. The Giffords Law Center has argued for the importance of age restrictions in preventing violence, highlighting the ongoing debate between gun rights and public safety concerns.

Political Implications and Next Steps

The case has been sent back to a lower court for further action, which means this may not be the final word on the matter. Given the current composition of the Supreme Court and its recent rulings expanding gun rights, such an appeal could result in a nationwide affirmation of the right for 18-to-20-year-olds to purchase handguns.

As the legal and political battles over gun rights continue, this ruling marks a significant shift in the interpretation of the Second Amendment and its application to younger adults. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact gun laws and policies across the nation, but it is clear that the debate over gun rights and regulations is far from over.